LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court will indict PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and four other party leaders next week in five cases of May 9 riots as the prosecution on Friday distributed copies of the challans (charge sheets) to them.

The cases include burning the PML-N office in Model Town and setting containers on fire near Kalma Chowk and Gulberg.

ATC-III Judge Arshad Javed heard the cases against PTI leaders, including Mr Qureshi, former governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema, PTI Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid, former provincial minister Mian Mahmoodur Rashid and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry.

PTI social media activist Sanam Javed, who is on bail, did not appear before the court and her lawyer submitted an application for one-time exemption from appearance.

The judge allowed the request with a direction to ensure her appearance on the next hearing for indictment.

Separately, ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill extended the interim pre-arrest bail of PTI MPA Imtiaz Mahmood Sheikh in three cases of May 9 violence.

The MPA appeared before the court on expiry of his bail’s period.

His lawyer requested the court for more time to conclude arguments on the bail petitions.

The judge allowed the request and adjourned the hearing till Dec 18.

The bail of the MPA was also extended till the next hearing.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024